Mike's Matchups: If Tide can run it will be tough day for Vols

Alabama has played it.

It will only take a couple of series to determine the tone of Saturday's football game.

If the Tide can run the ball successfully, the Vols could be in for a tough afternoon.

Alabama leads the SEC in time of possession, and the fewer opportunities it allows UT's offense, the better.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer has quite a decision on his hands.

Does he elect to play smash-mouth, high-percentage football against the Tide and protect his young quarterback from possible errors? Or does Fulmer come out firing in an attempt to put the run-heavy Tide in a position to play catch-up with its inexperienced quarterback?

By the end of the first quarter, 108,000 people in Neyland Stadium will know.

Vols On Offense: Alabama ranks third in the nation in total defense and is No. 2 in the country against the pass.

But don't expect Tennessee to go into a shell Saturday. Vols' offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said it's important UT takes its chances downfield against the Tide.

"You have to make your plays outside and make them pay,'' Sanders said. "That reduces how much aggressive man-to-man (coverage) they'll play and gets the safety out of the box.''

Getting the safeties farther away from the line increases UT's chances for success running the football.

The Vols' pass game will likely need to set up the run.

UT showed against Ole Miss, however, that it's not afraid to run the ball into an eight-man front.

The scoreboard will dictate how stubborn the Vols will be in their effort to establish a run game.

Projections: Erik Ainge 15-of-33, 198 yards, two TDs, one interception; UT run game 105 yards.

Vols On Defense: UT's offensive success will determine how UT's defense will scheme. With a lead, the Vols can confront the SEC's top rushing team aggressively. Alabama's offense is considerably less effective when playing from behind.

UT's effectiveness against the Tide offense on first down will be pivotal. Alabama has done well when avoiding obvious pass situations.

The Vols will pack bodies near the line and dare Alabama to throw on early downs. It's a dangerous, yet seemingly necessary, ploy.

For all the Xs and Os this week, it comes down to Tennessee's ability to make open-field tackles and not get shoved back by the Tide's vaunted offensive line.

State Projections: Spencer Pennington 11-of-24, 130 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions. Kenneth Darby 22 carries, 115 yards, one touchdown. UT four sacks.

On The Spot: Alabama defensive coordinator Joe Kines must find a way to confuse UT quarterback Erik Ainge. Given time, Ainge will pick apart the Tide.

UT strong safety Jarod Parrish is making his first career start. Run support is important, but Parrish can't ignore pass coverage responsibilities and get burned.

Players To Watch: Alabama kick returner Tyrone Prothro leads the SEC with a 35.4-yard average, and the Tide is tops in the nation with a 34.14 average. UT has been shaky in kick coverage, ranking ninth in the SEC.

A pair of Alabama natives, safety Jason Allen and receiver Jayson Swain, will play vital roles for their respective units.

Prediction: Tennessee 20, Alabama 17.